Training With Biggest Loser’s Trent Patterson

I first met Trent when I was in high school and he was playing semi professional football in the area.  I remember thinking that his legs were the size of my waist, and his fingers the size of my wrists.  Since then, Trent has become a top trainer and he helped create a football dynasty in the area, training a team that won multiple state titles. 

When I was thinking of becoming a trainer I called Trent first.  I asked him what certificates were reputable and turned to him for advice.  Even though I only had met him on a handful occassions before this, Trent and I had a twenty minute discussions.  He is truly one of the nicest guys I have met. 

Over At Trent’s Gym

Today I met up with Trent at his gym to talk training.  We discussed an issue in college athletics that is rarely discussed, and that we both had occur after our playing careers.  College athletes are trained to lift heavy weights, practice hard, and seriously feed their bodies.  When college sports ends, so does the practices.  Unfortunately, the eating has already become ingrained in the athletes’ lifestyle.  Also when sports ends, typically so does the training and dietary support.  It is the first time that many athletes are training how they want and eating what they want.  This often leads to serious weight gains and health issues such as sleep apnea.  Trent fell into this issue after playing football at Alabama and gained weight up to 430+ lbs.  Forunately for Trent, this led to a great opportunity, being selected to season five of The Biggest Loser. 

Those Guns Are Legal!

CLICK HERE FOR THE BEFORE PICTURE!!!!!!!

Trent and I also talked about the purpose of a strength coach and different training protocols.  We are in agreement that it is important for a strength coach do help facilitate an athlete’s development through a variety of traing.  It is important to keep an open mind.  If you are an olympic style coach, or a strongman style coach, or a powerlifting coach, don’t get too caught up in yourself.  Remember there is a world of vaulable information out there, and if you put the blinders on it will pass you by.  Each aspect of training has certain valuable aspects that should be paid attention to! 

Trent will over to check out my facility later this week, and I’ll have more quality information for everyone! 

-J. HASHEY, CSCS-